Guns n’Roses ex DJ Ashba on Axl Rose: It got difficult here and there

Former Guns n’Roses guitarist DJ Ashba has admitted it was sometimes “difficult” to work with Axl Rose – but he’s still grateful for his six years in the band.

He bowed out last year to focus on Sixx:AM, before Rose confirmed that classic-era guitarist Slash and bassist Duff McKagan were returning to the lineup.

Asked to draw a comparison between Rose and notoriously-moody rapper Kanye West, Ashba tells SiriusXM: “It got difficult here and there. He’s definitely, definitely a unique character.”

But he continues: “I had the best time of my life doing it. I’m grateful. He has a very tight-knit circle and I was fortunate enough to be part of that. And he’s always treated me like gold.

“I have not a bad word to say. Although I do know if you cross him he can turn more into the Kanye side of things.”

GnR – who commence their reunion shows next month – are cover stars of the latest edition of Classic Rock, on sale in print, online and via TeamRock+.

Guns N' Roses star in the new issue of Classic Rock

Not only is one-time online news editor Martin an established rock journalist and drummer, but he’s also penned several books on music history, including SAHB Story: The Tale of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band, a band he once managed, and the best-selling Apollo Memories about the history of the legendary and infamous Glasgow Apollo. Martin has written for Classic Rock and Prog and at one time had written more articles for Louder than anyone else (we think he's second now). He’s appeared on TV and when not delving intro all things music, can be found travelling along the UK’s vast canal network.